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Ten Voting Tips For Election Day

Alright, okay, you get the message. You're going to vote today. But before you head out, make sure you're on top of some crucial information. MassVOTE has the following tips to make Election Day go as smoothly for you as possible.

10. Decide right now what time you're going to go vote. Turnout will be strong in the morning from 7am until 9am, and then things will quiet down until about 5pm, when it will get busy again until closing. You may be in line for 10 minutes or 15 minutes during peak hours. Polls close at 8pm. Don’t worry – as long as you arrive by 8pm, you will be able to vote.

9. Go to the right place. You vote where you are registered. You can check your registration by calling the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office at 1 (800) 462-8683.

8. Know where you vote. Some polling locations change each year. Check wheredoivotema.com –- be sure to enter the address at which you are registered.

7. Fill out your ballot correctly. Most people in Massachusetts vote on Accu-Vote machines -- just fill in the oval next to the candidate you choose. Don't draw your own circle around the oval or put an X or a check mark in the oval. Fill it in. Some voters vote on Op-tech machines. Carefully connect the head and tail of the arrow that points to the candidate of your choice. If you aren't sure, ask for help!

6. Don't forget the back of the ballot! There are critical ballot questions that will be at the bottom or the back of your ballot. Be sure to vote on Questions 1, 2, and 3. MassVOTE recommends a No vote on all three. Read more here.

5. Be prepared. In addition to the race for Governor and the ballot questions, there are lots of other races on the ballot. You can see all the choices that you'll have on your ballot at wheredoivotema.com.

4. Bring ID. Most voters are not asked for identification, but some are, especially those who are voting for the first time or who haven’t voted in a few years. Your Mass. driver’s license will work. You can also use a recent utility bill or rent receipt on landlord's letterhead.

3. Bring a friend. If you need help, you may bring anyone you choose with you into the voting booth (except your boss or union supervisor). This includes children -- and it can be a great experience for a child to come into the polls and help Mom or Dad.

2. Know your rights. If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one. You have the right to receive up to two replacement ballots if you make a mistake and spoil yours.

1. Ask for help. Do you have difficulty speaking English? A disability? A question? Poll workers are available to help – they won’t tell you who to vote for, but they will help make sure you are able to cast a ballot that counts.</p>